Pan Africanism - Part 1

Pan-Africanism can basically be defined as an ideology that seeks to affirm African integrity and ensure the redemption and progress of all people of African descent, ideally by forming a union of all African states. It is heavily founded on the belief that unity is vital to the economic, social and political progress of Africa and it's people. The continent of Africa is a glaring example of a paradox: a continent abound with enormous human and natural resources, yet has the majority of it's people living in conditions of poverty. The debate on whether the development of Africa is contingent on Pan-Africanism, or whether Pan-Africanism is relevant to the progress of Africa, is one that has been engaged in, by many. Whilst some think otherwise, Pan-Africanists such as Kwame Nkrumah and Ayi Kwei Armah have posited in their writings and speeches that Pan-Africanism is an indispensable prerequisite for the progress of the continent. Nkrumah (1963) writes that "if we are to remain free, if we are to enjoy the full benefits of Africa's rich resources, we must unite to plan for our total defence and the full exploitation of our material and human means, in the full interest of our people."To go it alone" will limit our horizons, curtail our expectations and threaten our liberty."

Thanks to my good friend Moshood for writing this piece. His clarity of thought remains an inspiration.